By Gary Jenkins
BAPA Safety Liaison
22nd District Police Community Conversations
In October, the 22nd District was among Chicago Police Department district citywide that held the first of two Community Conversations via Zoom. The session was designed to connect police with people in their districts in for productive discussions that will be used for a collaborative, community based strategic plan for each district.
Attendees were given two questions to address:
Based on your personal experience, what are the key problems (i.e. violence, property crimes, quality of life) that you would like the police to address for your community?
How would you like to see the police engage more deeply with your community (including youth, older adults, domestic violence victims, businesses, and faith communities)?
The attendees and 22nd District officers were broken into small groups to discuss the two questions. Following the hour-long session, the entire group was reunited to examine how district residents answered the questions. Attendees offered a wide variety of ideas and experiences, citing issues like property crimes/car break-ins and the need to report potential criminal activity as problems and generally agreeing that they would like to increase opportunities to build better relationships with police officers.
Everyone’s comments were recorded and will be presented to the 22nd District Commander and his staff. They will develop an action plan to be presented at Community Conversation 2, Tues., Nov. 24, 6 p.m. via Zoom.
These conversations are an opportunity for residents to identify, discuss, and help craft solutions to some of the top concerns in the community. I encourage everyone to make an effort to participate on the Nov. 24.
COVID-19 Update
COVID 19 is still very much with us, and, unfortunately, the Beverly/Morgan Park area is experiencing an uptick in the case positivity rate. Please continue to wear masks and follow all the required safety guidelines. If you plan on traveling out of the city, check the City of Chicago website for states on the travel advisory.
